Providing additional fibre to your horse’s diet is a great way to support digestive health, maintain condition, and provide energy. Beyond hay and your balancer, there are some other excellent fibre options for horses:
Chaff
- Alfalfa: High in protein and energy, often a good choice for those in medium to hard work, or needing additional calories for condition. Good for building muscle tone, repairing and rebuilding tissue.
- Fibre blends: Often a blend of cereal straw and alfalfa, lower in calories and energy provision. Can also be used as a hay replacer.
- Grass chaff: With a softer texture, these chaffs are a great fibre option for those who struggle to chew longer length forage. A good choice for those in older age, or with poor dentition. Can also be used as a hay replacer.
Mashes, beets and pelleted/cubed fibres
- Mashes and beets - Often fed wet which aids hydration. They are a great source of highly digestible fibre, and can be formulated to maintain or promote condition, so you can choose the ideal option for your horse.
- Pelleted fibres - Can be fed wet or dry (see individual product instructions). They provide quality fibre in a concentrated form. Perfect to use in a snack ball.
High Fibre Cubes
A low calorie, non-heating option suitable for maintenance and low energy requirements. Can sometimes be used as a partial hay replacer. Can be soaked to form a soft, palatable mash.
Straw (in moderation)
Oat or barley straw can be used as a low-calorie option for overweight horses, though it should be introduced slowly and fed carefully (never more than 30% of the fibre provision) to avoid impaction colic. Make sure to provide fresh clean water at all times.
Fibre Blocks
Compressed blocks of alfalfa, timothy, or mixed forage that can be fed dry or soaked for enrichment, while increasing fibre intake. Can feed before riding.
@bluechipfeed Providing additional fibre to your horse’s diet is a great way to support digestive health, maintain condition, and provide energy. #fedonbluechip #horsewinter #horsefeed #horsefeedingroutine #horsefeedingtips #ponies #equestrian #horsetip #horsenutrition ♬ original sound - bluechipfeed
